Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle LaBounty.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been actively selling vintage goods for a decade, but have had an interest in it long before that. As a kid, I remember going through old photos and trinkets with my grandma and she would tell me these amazing stories about where she was when she got it, or what it was used for. The mix of history, romance and having unique things appealed to me.
After college, I started going to estate sales and buying items for my friends as we all started getting our own places and needed furnishings on a budget. That evolved into starting my own online vintage resale shop and doing pop up events; first around St. Louis and later in Dallas when I moved here in 2011.
I love doing this because it is a great creative and social outlet, and it is an awesome feeling when a customer finds something they want for their personal space.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My path has been relatively smooth; I have been fortunate to cross paths with other entrepreneurs who want to help build one another up instead of creating competition. The biggest hurdle is carving out time to do the work to get what needs to be done accomplished. I have a day job that keeps me busy during the week so I have to dedicate time in the evenings or weekends for all the work that needs to be done to keep Meta Vintage alive.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I have a degree in Marketing and Management and have had jobs in a lot of different fields. Some of those include sales, marketing, merchandising, corporate retail, planning, inventory management…
All of those careers have helped me to be a better business owner because when you start a business you have to do it all. The focus of Meta Vintage is primarily on home goods and accessories because I love helping to bring people together. We entertain and have friends over to our house in Lake Highlands pretty frequently, and everything tastes better when it is served in colorful or festive vintage glassware 😉
I want to provide quality products at a reasonable price so shoppers on any budget can buy something unique and special for their home. There is already so much stuff out in the world, which makes it hard for me to rationalize buying new items. I try to do the hard work and sift through it all and find the gems to share.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I think it is important to have confidence and just go for it. I am lucky enough to have a 9-5 job that is built around empowering women’s lives and I was raised in a family with all girls (I have two sisters), so there wasn’t ever a time where I felt I couldn’t get where I wanted to go. Perseverance and empathy go a long way, be willing to help others without expecting anything in return and more often than not it will open a door you weren’t expecting.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/MetaVintageDallas
- Email: meta0vintage@gmail.com
- Instagram: meta_vintage
Image Credit:
Michelle LaBounty
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